Privacy

The NDP Caucus is concerned that government is ignoring the expertise of the Privacy Commissioner and is calling on government to address the Commissioner’s serious concerns about transparency and accountability in a new piece of legislation.

Recent reports have raised serious concerns about Newfoundland Power pressuring landlords to disclose tenants’ personal information to them, resulting in tenants having their power cut off. The Liberal government’s cancellation of the Home Heating Rebate Program in 2016 has further exacerbated the challenges for low-income people struggling to keep up payments on their power bills.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael (MHA, Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi) says that while she is delighted government has seen the errors of its Bill 29 ways, the caucus will be watching closely to ensure it keeps its new promises.

NDP MHA Gerry Rogers (St. John’s Centre) says she has yet to see a written policy from the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills; the policy was strongly recommended by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner in a letter dated Jan. 22.